Bluetongue case confirmed in Norfolk
Survelliance is being carried out to determine if the virus is circulating in Great Britain.
A single case of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) has been confirmed in a sheep at a premises near Haddiscoe, Norfolk.
It is the first case to be detected in Great Britain during the 2024/25 vector season.
A 20km temporary control zone (TCZ) has been put in place by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), covering an area of south east Norfolk and north east Suffolk. The movement of susceptible animals and their germinal products will be restricted in the TCZ except under license.
Because of current temperatures and midge activity, APHA has said that there is a high risk of onward spread. Surveillance is being undertaken to find out whether the virus is currently circulating in Great Britain.
Between November 2023 and March 2024, 126 cases of BTV-3 were detected in England. This year has also seen thousands of cases in continental Europe, with countries such as Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, and France affected.
Ele Brown, the UK's deputy chief veterinary officer, said: “Bluetongue does not pose a threat to human health or food safety, but the disease can impact livestock farms, and cause productivity issues. This is the first animal in England that has shown clinical signs and been unwell from infection with bluetongue.
“This detection is a clear reminder of the threat of the disease: farmers and their vets must remain vigilant and report any suspicions to APHA.”
Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. Suspected cases must be reported immediately on 03000 200 301 in England or 03003 038 268 in Wales. In Scotland, suspected cases should be reported to the local field services office.
A map of the restricted zone can be found here.
Image © Shutterstock
With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.
